Luxury Travel Insider

Today, we're venturing to a corner of Europe that feels like a world all its own - the Basque Country. Straddling Spain and France, this is a place where ancient traditions meet avant-garde cuisine, where surfers ride some of the best waves in Europe, and where you can hear one of the oldest living languages on the continent. There's a saying in Basque, "Izena duenak izana du," which means, "That...

Today, we're continuing our exploration of the fascinating intersection between positive psychology and travel and I couldn't be more excited to have one of the leading minds in the field with us.  Shige Oishi is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. With over 200...

My guest today is a bit of a renaissance man. Jim Manley is the Chairman of Atlantic Pacific Capital… and also the VERY hands on owner of one of the top properties in all of the United States - The Ranch at Rock Creek. Located in a hidden valley, nestled against a sparkling clear creek, in the heart of Western Montana, Ranch at Rock Creek is the only Forbes 5 Star guest ranch in the world. Whether...

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most enchanting ways to experience Japan - staying at a ryokan. If you've ever dreamed of sleeping on tatami mats, slipping into a steaming onsen, or savoring a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted with local, seasonal ingredients - a ryokan stay is the ultimate expression of Japanese hospitality and tradition. To help us explore this beautiful co...

Today we are visiting the Capital of the world, the city where East meets West and old meets new. It's a spot where everything feels alive and you can't help but be wowed by the humanity of it all.  Joining me today to chat all things Istanbul is Jonathan Crook, the Managing Director of the brand new Peninsula Istanbul. We discuss everything from Turkish cuisine, to the contemporary art scene, to...

Today, I'm kicking off something a little different on the show — a mini series exploring the intersection of positive psychology and travel. If you've ever come home from a trip feeling more connected, more curious, more yourself — there's actually science behind that. And over the past year, I've been studying it deeply through my master's at Penn — not just as a travel professional, but as a hu...

Today we're headed back to the Indian Ocean to visit a slice of the Maldives. This archipelago, spanning 500 miles north to south, is the stuff dreams are made of.  Landing in the Noonu Atoll, we're diving into all things Velaa Private Island resort with its General Manager, Wayne Milgate.  One of the most luxurious retreats in the world, Velaa Private Island boasts exclusive over-water villas, a...

Today's episode is a little different — and very special. Not only are we celebrating five incredible years of Luxury Travel Insider… but I am, for the first time ever, inviting YOU to come on the show. To celebrate this five-year milestone, I'm inviting three of our listeners to join me as guests for a special anniversary episode. If you love the show, if travel has inspired you, or if Luxury Tra...

Today we're headed south to the tiny but intriguing country of Belize. Nestled into Central America surrounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras - Belize will capture your imagination. Experience dense rainforest, the second largest barrier reef in the world, phenomenal wildlife, and ancient Mayan culture and history.  Joining me today is Martin Krediet, the General Manager of Turtle Inn. This pr...

Today we're in for some adventure. We'll start off white water kayaking, sprinkle in a little bungee, and end by summiting a mountain. Along the way we'll hear stories about a truly unique landscape, rich cultural history, and incredible food to boot.  Joining me today to chat all things New Zealand is our adventure partner in the country, Phil Boorman. Phil spent his entire life leading far flung...

Today, we're headed deep off the beaten path to a forgotten island in Indonesia called Sumba. While it's twice as large as Bali and has only 700,000 inhabitants - Sumba has barely any tourism to the island.  If it's starting to sound TOO remote, don't worry because we uncovered a luxury gem, or as our guest, James McBride, would call it - geographically opulent.  James is the CEO of NIHI Sumba, a...

Today, we're venturing off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known gems of Greece. Picture yourself wandering through the picturesque streets of Tinos, soaking in the stunning views of Folegandros, and discovering the ancient beauty of Meteora. From the charming towns of Syros to the vibrant culture of Thessaloniki, we'll uncover hidden treasures and authentic experiences. Joining me today are...

Today we're visiting my personal favorite destination in the Caribbean. The beaches beckon with white powdery sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and the easiest drinking rum punch in the islands. Add in some amazing resorts, and this is the stuff of your vacation dreams.  Joining me to talk all things Turks & Caicos is the COO of Grace Bay Resorts, Nikheel Advani. We talk about what true luxury m...

Today we're enjoying wide open skies, magical rivers, and the jagged peaks of the Madison mountain range. Sprinkle in a little cowboy culture, love for the land, and a much needed break from the hustle and bustle.. And we'll find ourselves in Big Sky, Montana.  Today I'm joined by my friend Serge Ditesheim, the General Manager of the highly anticipated One & Only Moonlight Basin. This will be One...

Today, we're heading to one of the world's most magical cities—Venice. Imagine wandering through winding canals, admiring centuries-old architecture, and indulging in traditional ciccheti and a select spritz. Whether you're here for the art, the food, or the timeless beauty, Venice has something special waiting for you. I'm joined by two incredible locals, Giovanna Santini and Nicole Zennaro, who...

Today we're heading to the capital of Spain, a city in Europe that is certainly having a moment. To sum it up, a quote from Lope de Vega says, "When you are in Madrid, you are among friends."  So, joining me today to explore this charming capital city, is my friend, Friedrich von Schönburg, the General Manager of the beautiful Rosewood Villa Magna. We dive deep into the history and culture of the...

Today we are headed to a magical slice of Oman called the Musandam Peninsula. This part of the country is completely isolated from the rest of the mainland and so has maintained its wild natural beauty and authentic culture. Joining me today is Diletta Guarino, the General Manager of Six Senses Zighy Bay, recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in the world. The resort takes wellness and sustaina...

Today we're heading to the bustling, yet beautiful metropolis of Hong Kong. Instead of telling you about it in my own words today, I have a couple quotes that I think really sum it up:  Journalist Peter Lindberg "Life in Hong Kong transcends cultural and culinary borders, such that nothing is truly foreign and nothing doesn't belong." And then a little tongue in cheek from British writer Jonathan...

Today… we're going skiing! And we're doing it in style in France, Switzerland, Italy, and other European destinations. I wanted to pull together this episode not only because skiing in Europe is an amazing cultural experience, but also because it's looking pretty darn good from a value perspective right now. The Euro and Dollar are currently on par and lift tickets and lessons are massively cheape...

Today, we're escaping to the breathtaking Garden Isle of Kauai. With its emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, Kauai offers a serene escape like no other. We're checking into the stunning 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, where eco-conscious design meets upscale comfort. Joining us is Nicholas Gold, the VP of Operations on property. We'll explore the island's scenic hiking trails, indulge...

Today we're headed well off the beaten path, to the area nestled between the North Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea. The secluded Faroe Islands boast rugged cliffs, emerald green landscapes, puffins galore, and a vibrant local culture for such a small population.  You might come here for the hiking or the bird life, but what you'll leave with is a sense of peace, having experienced the luxurious fee...

I'm excited for you to join me today to head to the gorgeous island of the Dominican Republic. There's something about the turquoise water fringed with the most amazing palm trees you've ever seen - that gives you a sense of calm and relaxation here. Add in the incredible history, gorgeous resorts, world class golf courses - and you're truly on vacation.  My guest today is Stefano Baratelli, the E...

Today, we're headed to the vibrant and historic city of Cartagena, Colombia. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, enjoying the rhythm of cumbia music in the distance, or setting sail on turquoise waters to visit nearby islands. Joining me today are three incredible guests who know this city inside and out: my partner in the region, Cristina Consuegra and two o...

Today, we're diving into the trends that are shaping the way travelers are exploring the world. I'm joined by my good friend Jonathan Epstein, the CEO of Celebrated Experiences, one of our partners for curating authentic and luxurious travel experiences in Europe. Jonathan and I discuss everything from the growing demand for slow, intentional travel to the resurgence of big family trips for milest...

Today we're setting off on a journey through the misty glens and rugged coastlines of Scotland—a land where history and legend intertwine.  Joining me today are Christopher Sleigh and Euan House, two incredible storytellers and partners of ours in the region. Together, we unravel the history of the clan structure, explore the difference between a tartan and a kilt, take a walk through Scotland's l...